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The Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS) at the University of Sargodha organized the 17th session of its China Fellowship Program, focusing on evolving global diplomatic trends and China’s future policy orientation.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director PICS and Host Director of the Confucius Institute at UoS. Addressing the participants, he highlighted the shifting dynamics of international relations, pointing to a gradual transition toward a multipolar world order driven by intensifying economic competition, strategic alliances, and enhanced regional cooperation.
He observed that emerging economies are increasingly influencing global diplomacy, with China playing a pivotal role in redefining development priorities and frameworks of international engagement. He added that economic corridors, connectivity initiatives, and coordinated policy measures are becoming key tools of influence in the contemporary global landscape.
A major segment of the session was dedicated to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). Dr. Awan explained that the plan is likely to emphasize innovation-led growth, green development, industrial transformation, and technological self-reliance. He noted that these priorities will not only shape China’s domestic progress but also impact global trade patterns and regional integration, particularly for partner countries.
Participants of the China Fellowship Program also shared their views during the session, offering policy-oriented feedback and reflections on the discussed themes.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, where attendees engaged with the speaker to seek further insights, contributing to a meaningful academic exchange.
The China Fellowship Program remains a key academic initiative of PICS, aimed at enhancing research capacity and promoting informed discourse on Pakistan–China relations and broader global affairs.